Texas ex-congressman deemed flight risk, must remain in jail

HOUSTON – A former Texas congressman convicted in a $1.25 million fraud scheme must remain in federal custody as he awaits sentencing after a federal judge deemed him a flight risk.

Attorneys for former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman had asked that their 61-year-old client be released on restricted bond. They argued that he isn’t receiving necessary medical attention at his current detention centre near Houston.

But Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal denied the request Thursday, noting Stockman has travelled the world extensively and has government contacts in several African countries.

The Houston Chronicle reports that the former Republican lawmaker is set for sentencing Aug. 17.

Stockman served a term in the U.S. House from 1995 until 1997, and then another from 2013 until 2015, representing an area east of Houston.